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Non-synonymous DNA mutations that result in the replacement of one amino acid by another with a different electrical charge result
in slight modification of the net charge of the protein.
These protein variants are called allozymes because they are encoded by different alleles at an enzyme gene locus.
Allozyme variation is detected by means of protein electrophoresis.
Protein electrophoresis is a test that measures specific proteins in the blood.
The test separates proteins in the blood based on their electrical charge.
The protein electrophoresis test is often used to find abnormal substances called M proteins.
Protein electrophoresis also tests for other proteins and antibodies (immunoglobulins).
The protein electrophoresis test is also used to diagnose other conditions affecting the plasma cells
Protein electrophoresis can also be used to help diagnose:
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Liver diseases
• Poor nutrition or inability to absorb nutrients
• Certain autoimmune diseases
DNA SEQUENCING (FINGERPRINTING)
Unlike sequencing, fingerprinting does not attempt to determine
sequence.
The goal of fingerprinting is to determine whether a sample of DNA-
containing material like blood came from a given individual.
Certain regions of the genome are pretty similar from one individual
to another but certain other regions are highly variable.
The most important variable regions for DNA fingerprinting are
called microsatellites.
These microsatellites contain a short sequence that is repeated
many times. The number of repeats varies greatly from one
individual to another.
By comparing the number of repeats in certain specific
microsatellite regions, forensics experts can determine with high
probability whether the DNA from two different samples is a match.